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MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
VIRTUAL BUDGET WORK SESSION
June 8, 2021
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Budget Work Session on
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
and Commissioners Mark Dorosin, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Jean Hamilton, and Earl
McKee
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
A roll call was called; all members were present.
Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual
Budget Work Session on June 8, 2021 utilizing Zoom. Members of the Board of Commissioners
will be participating in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public will be
able to view and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at
orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or
97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
Additions or Changes to the Agenda
Chair Price requested a motion to amend the agenda to add appointment discussion for
the following advisory boards and commissions after item 4:
• Affordable Housing Advisory Board
• Agricultural Preservation Board
• Animal Services Advisory Board
• Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor's Bureau
• Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
• Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to
add discussion of the advisory boards and commissions after item 4.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
1. Discussion and Decisions on FY2021-22 Operating Budget
2
• Funding Decisions on the Operating Budget Amendment List
• Funding Decisions on the Other Funds Budget Amendment List
• Funding Decisions for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County
Schools
o Current Expense (Per Pupil)
The Board reviewed, discussed, and made decisions regarding the FY2021-22
Manager's Recommended Orange County Annual Operating Budget and approved a
Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY2021-22 Orange County Annual Operating Budget.
BACKGROUND:
The County Manager presented the FY2021-22 Recommended Budget on May 4, 2021.
Subsequently, the Board has conducted two public hearings to receive residents' comments
regarding the proposed funding plan. In addition to the public hearings, the Board heard
presentations and held discussions with representatives of the County fire districts, the local
boards of education, representatives of the community college, and County Functional
Leadership Teams as related to the proposed funding plan for FY2021-22.
Tonight's Agenda:
Tonight's work session offers the Board an opportunity to discuss the recommended budget,
including discussion and review of the Budget Amendment list. As soon as these discussions
are completed, the Board will deliberate and make decisions regarding the FY2021-22 Annual
Operating Budget and approve a Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY 2021-22 Annual
Operating Budget. The Board is scheduled to adopt the final FY2021-22 Annual Operating
Budget for Orange County at its Business meeting on June 15, 2021.
Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Intent to Adopt
Budget Work Session
June 8,2021
Virtual Meeting
3
Slide #2
Decision Points
1, FY2021-22 Operating Budge
Consider and Approve Amendments t;the County Manager's
Reconwwded Operating 9udpel
2. FY2021-26Capital Investment Plan(CIP)
• Consider and Approve Amendments to the County Manager's
Rem nended Capllal Ilwestment Plan
3. FY2021-22 County Fee S0edule
• Consider and Approve Amendments to the County Manager's
Reu needed Fee Schedule
ORANGE COUNTY
MlWrt I CAROLIN:i
Slide #3
Decision Points
4, FY2021-22 Tax Rates
Consider and Approve Amendments to the County Manager's
Recomn dad the Ad Valmrn IRroptrtyi Tax Rate,Special DistAct Tax
Rate,and Fire Ustrlet Tax Ratcs.
5. Break
B, Resolution of Intent to Adopt
• Consider and Approve the Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FYMI-22
Oimatina 6udaet at tfile Boa Qf County C4mmi5gl4ner3 Regular Meeting
on June 15,2021
— Cperehry tlugget W FY2G21-22
— Yaaz One"M2l-221 oflhe Cap-tallmeslmam Pan&A omapt FiYe Year glen
— County,Spedal[715IA[t,end Fire D bl❑Tk Rates
— FeeSchedula
ORANGE COUNTY
9 h36R7t I CAROLINA
4
Slide #4
Operating Budget Amendments
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ORANGE COUNTY
t-MRT]r CAROLINA
Chair Price read the first amendment: to add $70,000 to support funding of the small
business center position at Durham Technical Community College.
Chair Price asked if the Board should vote on each amendment individually.
Travis Myren said yes, until the Board considered the staff amendments, which could be
considered as a group with one yes or no vote.
Commissioner McKee asked if staff could clarify how the position for the Small Business
Center will be funded after year 1.
Bonnie Hammersley said ARPA funds will be used for subsequent years, if they are
available. She said if these funds are not available, she will recommend that the position be
funded through Article 46 funds.
Commissioner McKee asked what part of Article 46 funds will be used.
Bonnie Hammersley said it would be from the personnel budget of Article 46.
Commissioner Greene said the strategy for future funding is smart, and it is an
appropriate use of both ARPA and Article 46 funds.
Chair Price agreed, and said it is a good use of ARPA and Article 46 funds.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the Economic Development Department does anything
similar to what this position will do.
Travis Myren said this is direct technical assistance, which the department does not
currently provide.
Chair Price said the extent of the County's assistant currently is to help with
applications, but no hands on assistance.
Commissioner Hamilton said she wanted to know exactly how this would not duplicate
existing small business supports, including the Chamber of Commerce and non-profits. She
said she wanted to remind people that there are a lot of needs in the County, and if the BOCC
does not use the funds for this purpose, there are other economic development needs,
including school needs. She feels we could use the money elsewhere.
Commissioner Bedford said the President of Durham Technical Community College, JB
Buxton, sent an email that hours in this position have been increased at the Durham campus.
She said she is pleased that the County supports LAUNCH, PFAP for food economy etc. She
5
said she is not sure if SCORE has been available during the pandemic. She said it was very
generous of the Chamber to share its knowledge about PPP loans, even with non-members.
She said Durham Tech will also receive a little over $10 million in ARPA funds. She said half
must be used to support students, and half must support institutional needs. She said she
hoped Durham Tech might be able to maintain funding for these hours, and the County could
continue to monitor it for future funding.
Commissioner Dorosin said he endorsed the amendment, and this funding makes
sense. He said it a relatively small amount of money. He said programs like Commissioner
Bedford mentioned serve a limited clientele, while Durham Tech serves a very different and
underserved cohort.
Commissioner McKee said he was satisfied with the funding described by the Manager
Commissioner Greene moved the amendment, Commissioner McKee seconded.
Chair Price asked everyone to raise their hands on Zoom if they support.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Chair Price, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner McKee, and
Commissioner Greene; Nays, 3 (Commissioners Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, and
Commissioner Hamilton)
AMENDMENT PASSES
Commissioner Fowler asked if the Sheriff could speak to his ability to meet the terms of
the amendment.
Sheriff Blackwood said he has never had to consider a cut to his office. He said his
office is not a County department, but is a stand-alone office. He said his office tries to be
fiscally responsible, and has operated well within the budget since he has been Sheriff. He said
his office is a leader in the state and the nation, with innovative programs for mental health,
youth in the community, and working with Criminal Justice Resource Center to allow those who
leave his facilities and never return. He said his office has taken steps to reduce inmates, and
has offered de-escalation training to every department within the County. He said he works
tirelessly to reimagine the criminal justice system. He said he provides evidence-based
training. He said his in house IT staff work tirelessly on data sets to provide information and
answers in order to address root causes of disparity. He said as hard as he works, his staff
works harder and focuses on community safety. He said his employees have done so without
raises for two years, and the outlook is bleak for next two years, but this will never affect his
office's commitment to the job. He said all programs cost money, and reducing an already
trimmed down budget is counter productive to the goals outlined in the mission statement. He
said it would also make it difficult, if not impossible, to achieve goals by those demanding
change to criminal justice system. He said when one excels one is rewarded, and if one fails
one may be subjected to sanctions or termination. He said nowhere is success rewarded by
sanctions, demotions, defunding, etc. He said the men and women of Orange County Sheriff's
Office are a shining light. He said if this Board is compelled to punish the Office, despite its
excellent work, he cannot stop it. He said he will tell his staff it is not as a result of anything
they have failed to do, and he would accept the blame and pray his staff does not go
elsewhere.
Commissioner McKee asked if the County Manager recommended any reduction for this
office.
Bonnie Hammersley said she did not.
6
Commissioner McKee said he saw no way that a 5% cut could avoid impacting the
programs at the Sheriff's department.
Sheriff Blackwood said that was right. He said there are issues that have not been
talked about, and his office does not have enough personnel, storage space, etc. He said he
cannot stop the BOCC, and he has to work with the budget he is given.
Commissioner McKee said it would affect jail staff, law enforcement officers, and
diversion programs that the Board has put in place.
Sheriff Blackwood said they have to take into account fuel, overtime, responding to
calls, etc. He said it will hurt his office.
Commissioner McKee said there is a nationwide effort to cut back on law enforcement,
and it is not paying dividends. He said he does not support the amendment.
Commissioner Dorosin said the Sheriff makes a compelling case for his office. He said
it is not a department, but it is funded like every other department in the County. He said this
amendment is not a punishment, and almost every department is making this cut, on
operations, not on personnel. He said it is not accurate to lump the Sheriff's Office in with
Health, Social Services, Aging, etc. and to characterize this as a punishment is not accurate.
He said every other department making these cuts is not being punished, but rather it is
recognition of the critical position the County is in. He said, in the interest of fairness, the other
departments that have been exempted are different. He said this is a measure that needs to be
taken at this time, and it is reasonable to do so. He said any department head would make a
similarly impassioned argument, but nonetheless, these are critical times. He said the BOCC
needs to look closely at all spending, including this office.
Chair Price said she sees Public Safety as an essential service. She said she would like
to pull away from thinking just about the policing aspect, as some neighborhoods are over-
policed, but the Sheriff's Office works with Housing, social services, etc. in crisis intervention.
She said when there is an eviction, domestic violence, or other such crises, the Sheriff's officers
are there. She asked if the office just brought on two new people to work with mental health.
Sheriff Blackwood said he has a Mental Health task force, which has some additional
needs. He said questions remain on how this will be funded.
Sheriff Blackwood said his office is a part of public safety, as set out by the budget
guidelines of the County Manager.
Chair Price said there are a lot of things the Sheriff's Office does that would be
jeopardized by a cut, and this office is among the first responders.
Commissioner McKee disagreed that the Sheriff's office is different than public safety.
He said the Sheriff's office is put in special situations, including rescue, emergency services,
health, welfare, etc. He said the County has made strides through the Sheriff's department to
look at alternative ways to serve the community, and he cannot support the amendment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin to approve the amendment to reduce the
Sheriff's budget by 5% for the FY 2021-22 fiscal year.
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Chair Price read the amendment to eliminate funding for the Piedmont Wildlife Center
afterschool program.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford to approve eliminate funding to Piedmont
Wildlife Center for the after school program.
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Slide #5
Operating Budget Amendments
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RANGE COUNTY
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Chair Price read the amendment to reduce the County's contribution to the Chapel Hill
Library by the same percentage (5.6%) as the reduction to the Library Services department for
FY 2021-22.
A motion was made Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
reduce the Chapel Hill Library budget by the same percentage as the Library Services budget.
Commissioner McKee said it would be a better collaborative effort to discuss this
mutually with the Town of Chapel Hill.
Commissioner Greene said the County has cut its own library services, and it seems fair
to apply the same level of cut to Chapel Hill. She said she is aware that the Chapel Hill Town
Council would like to reenter those discussions in the fall, and it does not seem inconsistent to
her to take this move at this time.
Bonnie Hammersley said she met with the Chapel Hill Town Manager, and he saw this
as the County doing a reduction across library services, and it is part of a bigger picture. She
said they hope to reconvene in the future to talk about funding, but the Town understands this
reduction as being consistent with the library system at large.
Commissioner Fowler said it feels equitable, but does not speak to how she might
consider future negotiations.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Dorosin,
Commissioner Greene, and Chair Price); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Hamilton and
Commissioner McKee)
8
MOTION PASSES
Chair Price read the amendment to use $3,000,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) funds to be divided by ADM between CHCCS and OCS to support students' social,
emotional, and mental health; for technology to ensure access to remote learning, and/or other
permissible uses that promote student learning and address the opportunity gap.
Commissioner Hamilton said the County serves 20,000 children, and the needs are
immense. She said the funds the schools have will be used quickly to address educational
deficits. She said she hopes some of these funds can serve pre-K students as well.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, in
order to have further discussion, to approve the amendment.
Commissioner Bedford said she values public education, but does not support the
motion. She said CHCCS has $11 million in fund balance, and hoped they would spend that
down. She said CHCCS will receive $3.2 million in ESSER II funding, and $7.2 million in ARPA
funding. She said CHCCS can use the ARPA money and fund balance. She said Orange
County Schools has less in its fund balance, but also has $3.7 million in ESSERS II and $8.2
million in ARPA, due to low-income students. She said this is enough money to get through
one year. She said the districts will be okay, and she would look to support the schools in
future years. She said the districts are still below the national average, and children are part of
the vulnerable populations. She said if enrollment increases, this Board will see if a budget
amendment is needed.
Commissioner McKee said Orange County is the backstop for the schools, and will not
let the schools fail. He said should the need arise, the schools can approach the County for
support. He said he is sure he would vote for that support, and the Board would as well.
Commissioner Fowler said Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner Bedford, and
Commissioner McKee all make good points. She said she likes the idea of expanding pre-K,
but this might not be the right time to do so. She said given the arguments Commissioner
Bedford made, she would be prefer if this amendment was slightly less. She said she is
worried about Orange County Schools.
Commissioner Greene said she appreciated Commissioner Bedford's comments on this
issue. She said the Board does not know how the schools would spend this money. She said it
is not wise to allocate the money in this way right now. She said the Board can continue to
monitor things as the year goes on.
Commissioner Hamilton said she understands the arguments, but the schools do have a
plan. She said the districts talked about having more mental health professionals. She said
these funds would be targeted to mental health needs and broadband. She said Orange
County Schools had to provide hot spots, and will continue to do so. She said this money is
targeted, and will meet specific needs.
Commissioner Hamilton said these kinds of services require planning and people in
place to deal with the mental health needs of children. She said the schools need the money
up front.
Chair Price agreed there is a need, but she would rather wait until the fall once the
Board knows where some of the other money is going, and then work with the schools on
determining the next best steps. She said additional funding can be provided at a later date.
She said if the Board provides funds to the schools, it has no control of how it is used.
Commissioner Greene re-read the amendment, which contains language that is wide
open, and was the basis for why she said she did not know what the plan was.
Chair Price said she would be happy to look at this again in the fall.
9
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Ayes, 2 (Commissioner Fowler and Commissioner Hamilton); Nays, 5
(Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner
McKee and Chair Price)
MOTION FAILS
Slide #6
OperatingBudget Amendments
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hR7RTI I CAROLINA
Chair Price read the amendment to assist eligible taxpayers, with an Area Median
Income (AMI) of 30% or less, for an ARPA grant to assist with County tax increases resulting
from the 2021 Revaluation.
Chair Price said she would eliminate the language about area median income of 30%.
She said she would like to set aside $250,000 to help taxpayers who do not qualify for the
Homestead Exemption. She said she wants to stabilize neighborhoods.
Commissioner Dorosin said he was going to propose a similar alternative. He said he
wants to set aside some money, but he wants to spend time setting up the program. He said it
needs to be more than an AMI level, such as how long has someone lived in the house, the
burden of the taxes, etc.
Commissioner Greene said she spoke with the Executive Director at the Marian Cheek
Jackson Center, where there is a small program to give tax relief. She said this program has
certain criteria, which she explained (age, tax burden — 10% or greater, length of time in home,
80% AMI, etc.). She said there are other programs to investigate, and this deserves study in
the fall. She said the Cheek Jackson center has about $45,000 for this year in the private fund
for tax relief. She said the Executive Director suggested allocating $25,000 to the Jackson
Center to cover the 53% increase in property values for this year. She said the County Attorney
10
said that was possible. She proposed setting aside $25,000 from Social Justice Fund for
allocation in the fall to the Jackson Center to support tax relief.
Chair Price said she is proposing funds for anyone in the County that is tax burdened
because of the current revaluation. She said hopefully the number of people will come down
through the appeals process. She said she wants to help people who are tax burdened, in
order to get a handle on gentrification.
Commissioner Dorosin clarified his remarks and said that he supported setting up a
fund.
Chair Price said she would like to partner with non-profit organizations and County
Departments to come up with criteria and plan.
Commissioner Fowler asked for clarification on Chair Price's amendment.
Chair Price said she just wants to set aside money to assist residents.
Commissioner Fowler asked for clarification of the amount.
Chair Price said she was thinking of an amount lower than $500,000. She said she did
not want to rely on the Social Justice Fund, because these funds may be needed for OWASA
bills or other needs.
Chair Price said she would want to set aside $250,000 to relieve tax burdens. She said
the Cheek Jackson Center would be eligible to pursue some of these funds.
Commissioner Fowler said she could support either.
Commissioner Greene said she wants specificity on this motion, and there should be a
limit of the AMI. She said $500,000 is too high, and she would stop it at 80%
Commissioner McKee asked if the Board would accept a change of wording in the
amendment to say that $250,000 be set aside for grant tax assistance for those making 80%
less than the AMI, with details being worked out in a work session after summer break.
Commissioner Dorosin said he would include the phrase "as well as any other criteria,
as established." He said $250,000 is the right amount.
The Board agreed by consensus with Commissioner Dorosin's additional wording.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin, to
approve setting aside $250,000 for grant tax assistance for those making 80% less than the
AMI, as well as other criteria as established.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11
Slide #7
Operating Budget Amendments
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Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, read the staff amendments to the
budget from the PowerPoint slide.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the first amendment on the staff list needed to be
revised in light of the amendment for more money for the schools not passing.
Paul Laughton said no.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
approve the three staff amendments listed in the PowerPoint presentation.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12
Slide #8
Operating Budget Amendments
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Paul Laughton read additional staff amendments from the PowerPoint presentation.
Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason for the change to the Urban Recycling
Contract.
Bonnie Hammersley said the vendor requested the changes, and the County accepted
them.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
approve the additional staff amendments listed in the PowerPoint presentation.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13
Slide #9
Operating Budget Amendment
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ORANGE COUNTY
MOWrl I CARC}LINA
Paul Laughton read two additional staff amendments from the PowerPoint presentation.
He said this change keeps all ARPA funding payments isolated to the Emergency Recovery
Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the amendments listed in the PowerPoint presentation.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Travis Myren presented the recommended school funding information:
14
Slide #10
Recommended School Funding
• Operating Budget School Funding — page 164
FY2021-22Operating Budget
DistrictTotal Recornmended School
CurrentE"nse $89,353,187 A-rage0aibMerbershiP
DW Service $23.738.246 NO'm0ca'e7 by asvntl
Health&Safety C4ontracts $3.629_597 One ScmulNmae perFacilty
One sarM Weer rar FAdde and FSgh scrods
TOTAL $116,721,030
Current Expense $89,353,187
Total Projected Students 20,461
=Total Per Pupil Allocation S4,367 _
ORANGE COUNTY
10 NOFM I CAROLINA
Commissioner McKee said he supported the County Manager's recommendation, given
the school systems fund balance availability.
Commissioner Fowler said the schools have great needs, but she is going to approve
this allocation. She would be inclined to make changes in the future as ESSER funds go away.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
approve the per pupil allocation of$4,367.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Paul Laughton reviewed the impact of the amendments that were passed. He said the
only impact to the General Fund is the reduction to the Chapel Hill Library budget by$31,816.
He said the budget is out of balance by that amount, and the Board will need to decide where
those funds will that go. He said the Board can also reduce the fund balance by that amount.
Chair Price asked if that includes the tax burden relief.
Paul Laughton said that was funded with ARPA funding, as well as the Small Business
position.
Travis Myren asked if the tax equivalent could be identified.
Paul Laughton said it was around .0001 cents.
2. Discussion and Decisions on FY2021-26 Capital Investment Plan
• Funding Decisions on the Capital Investment Plan Amendment List
• Accept FY2021-26 Capital Investment Plan and Approve the Intent to Adopt
Capital Funding for FY2021-22
15
The Board accepted the FY2021-26 Capital Investment Plan and approved the Intent to
Adopt Capital Funding for FY2021-22.
BACKGROUND:
For over 20 years, the County has produced a Capital Investment Plan (CIP) that establishes a
budget planning guide related to capital needs for the County as well as Schools. The current
CIP consists of a 5-year plan that is evaluated annually to include year-to-year changes in
priorities, needs, and available resources. Approval of the CIP commits the County to the first
year funding only of the capital projects; all other years are used as a planning tool and serves
as a financial plan.
Capital Investment Plan — Overview
The FY 2021-26 CIP includes County Projects, School Projects, and Proprietary Projects. The
School Projects include Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), Orange County Schools
(OCS), and Durham Technical Community College —Orange County Campus projects. The
Proprietary Projects include Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, and Sportsplex
projects.
The CIP has been prepared anticipating moderate economic growth of approximately 2% in
property tax growth and 4% sales tax growth over the next five years. Many of the projects in
the CIP will rely on debt financing to fund the projects.
The items below include revisions made to the following Capital Projects since the presentation
of the Manager's Recommended Capital Investment Plan on April 6, 2021:
At the May 13, 2021 Budget Work Session, staff included a revised Schools Capital Projects
Summary reflecting adjustments made in regards to changes to the FY 2021-22 budgeted
average daily membership (ADM) percentages, based on changes made from the time of the
original CIP presentation and the FY 2021-22 Manager's Recommended Operating Budget
presentation. The impact of these numbers changed the CHCCS percentage from 59.99% to
60.36%, and changed the OCS percentage from 40.01% to 39.64%.
16
Slide #1
Capital Investment Plan Amendments
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Chair Price read the amendment to include ADA improvements at the old courthouse.
She said it would be funded by reducing the Emergency Service study consultant, which was
over estimated.
Commissioner Hamilton agreed that the Board should support this amendment.
A motion was made by Chair Price, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to approve
both amendments listed on the PowerPoint presentation.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
17
Slide #2
Capital Investment Plan Amendments
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Commissioner Fowler read the amendments listed on the PowerPoint presentation
regarding allocation of climate tax funds. She said this helps in a very tight budget year, it
helps the climate and helps the County's bottom line.
Commissioner Dorosin said he cannot support the amendment. He said the application
and vetting process developed for the climate tax is the right way to go. He said the schools
went through that process and were awarded grants. He said the proposed amendment
eliminates County oversight, and creates two priority lists. He said there could be five great
projects in pot 1 that could have a bigger impact than projects in pot 2, but pot 2 projects could
still get money. He said if the goal is to spend the money in the way that is most impactful, the
way it is set up now is most effective. He said he is not concerned about funds going to other
entities if those entities have strong projects. He said residents of those municipalities also pay
this tax. He said the goal of these funds was to find and support projects that meet the Board's
goals on climate change, wherever they come from.
Commissioner McKee said he is not going to support Commissioner Fowler's
amendments, but will support Commissioner Greene's on climate tax funds. He said he liked
both proposals, but unfortunately will vote for one and against another.
Chair Price said both proposals have good points. She said during the first year of the
climate tax, there were flaws in the process, but a new system was worked out that was more
fair and more community oriented. She said there is great enthusiasm from the community,
which speaks highly to the merit of the project. She said she would like to leave the process
alone for another year. She said she does have some issues with municipalities vying for the
funds, but she would like to give the Commission for Environment another round.
Commissioner Fowler said she is willing to withdraw her amendments and support
Commissioner Greene's.
18
Slide #3
Capital Investment PI-an Amendments
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Commissioner Greene introduced her amendments regarding the use of climate tax
funds. She said this amendment is not about improving the bottom line, but rather is about
finding the best projects to mitigate climate change. She said half of the money will remain as it
is, and the other half would be available for both school districts to apply for grants. She said
there will be a minimum scoring system, so not every project will not get funded. She said the
scoring rubric works well, and there is no reason it cannot work well with school projects. She
said if either half has a balance, she would like to see it all roll over and added to the next
year's tax funds. She said she support projects with maximum impact on climate change, and
wants to get the funds out in the community. She said she is fine with the current process, but
her amendment is a middle ground.
Chair Price asked if there is a plan in place if the schools projects score much lower
than the projects in the non-profit pool.
Commissioner Greene said there is potential downside in that scenario.
Chair Price asked if unused funds would roll over.
Commissioner Greene said they would roll over to the next year.
Commissioner McKee said he appreciated Commissioner Fowler withdrawing her
amendment in consideration for Commissioner Greene's amendment. He said if there are not
good projects, the money will roll over. He said he thinks there will continue to be good
projects. He said the budget is a one-year thing, and is not an end all be all for years to come.
He said Commissioner Greene's proposal will work well.
Commissioner Fowler said she supports having a threshold for benefit, and her goal is
climate mitigation.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
approve the amendments listed on the power point, Commissioner Greene seconded.
19
Commissioner Greene said nothing would prevent a school from collaborating with a
non-profit on a project.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene,
Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner McKee and Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
Dorosin)
MOTION PASSES
Slide #4
Capital Investment Plan Amendments
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Commissioner Hamilton withdrew her amendment to delay the Buckhorn Mebane EDD
Phase 3 Sewer from Year 1 to Year 2 in the CIP. She said she feels reassured that the County
will not proceed until it has heard clearly from the community.
Commissioner McKee said he appreciates Commissioner Hamilton's consideration on
this item. He said they have spoken privately, and he fully supports community involvement.
Commissioner Fowler said she believes there needs to be more community
engagement, but she appreciates the withdrawal since staff will not proceed until the Board is
satisfied.
20
Slide #5
Capital Investment Plan Amendments
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NOFM[CAROLINA
Commissioner Bedford introduced her amendment regarding water and sewer in the
Buckhorn Area Study Areas of B, C, D, and E. She said she would withdraw her amendment.
Commissioner McKee said he appreciates Commissioner Bedford's withdrawal. He said
the funds can be left in the budget as a placeholder, and the Board can have a discussion and
move the funds elsewhere.
Commissioner Bedford introduced her amendment to move the Orange County Campus
Building at Durham Technical Community College to Years 6 and 7 of the CIP. She said
moving this project makes no difference to the debt, but it frees up $1.5 million in cash flow,
which helps to meet operating budget requirements. She said this is about fiscal risk, not about
the quality of projects. She said she wants to push out the project, so the County can afford the
building, potentially give staff a raise, restore library hours, etc. She said ARPA money is being
used to address hunger, utility, and housing, and it is unclear if the pandemic caused these
needs or just revealed them. She said it is important to prioritize health, safety, and hunger
first. She said Durham Tech is getting $10 million in ARPA funds to help with tuition and other
needs. She said going forward with this project would tie the Board's hands, but by waiting, the
Board can meet its operating budget with the revenues it needs.
Commissioner Dorosin said he vehemently opposes this amendment. He said the
BOCC has been talking about promoting education, serving resourced populations, and
promoting racial and economic equity. He said all of these things are reflected in the
community college system. He said the BOCC talks about supporting education, but if it only
focuses on K-12 education, that focus is far too narrow. He said the K-12 systems, especially
Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, do not serve communities of color well. He said students
that depend on Durham Tech do not have a PTA or organizing system that can send the BOCC
letters by the dozens. He said the BOCC is accountable to all residents, and cannot just listen
to the loudest voices.
21
Commissioner Dorosin read from an email from Liz Maylin De Jesus Sanchez regarding
her experience at Durham Technical Community College:
As a sophomore in high school, I was presented with the opportunity to take classes at Durham
Tech Community College to complete college credits in order to help students with future career
and college prospects. This option was comparable to the other programs offered by high
school as it also allowed for us to complete an Associates Degree which we could then transfer
to other colleges and universities in the North Carolina education system. This is an incredible
opportunity, which allows students to save money and time in their career prospects!...This
option was particularly valuable to me as a first generation low-income student who knew
nothing about what college was or even if I could get there. Through this opportunity, I was able
to expand my knowledge and create a strong foundation for my future through the Associates in
Arts program of study. I was able to do very well in my classes at Durham Tech, which showed
I was ready for higher levels of thinking required at four-year universities. This also allowed me
to raise my GPA to become a competitive student when applying universities and scholarships.
I was able to get 2 full-ride scholarships to Wellesley College, a private four-year university
located in Massachusetts.
I know first hand that a second building would be an extremely valuable addition to the Orange
County Campus. An issue that I ran into when completing my associates' degree was that
many of the classes I needed to take to finish were only offered at the main campus. As a
student at Cedar Ridge High School, the main campus was very far away. This meant that
these opportunities were only opened to students who had the privilege of reliable
transportation, a driver's license, insurance, and gas money. All of these are expenses that
many students do not have or are not able to have. A second building would allow for the
Orange County Campus to grow and provide more opportunities for students who really need it.
Commissioner Dorosin said having access in Orange County is critical. He highlighted
the economic impact of having this building in the community. He said this project is not a
luxury, but a necessity. He said the economic savings only happen if there are no other
projects added, and assumes that the CIP is frozen in place. He said any project removed from
the CIP would have the same impact. He said when this project was moved up last year,
several other projects were delayed, and funding has been allotted to do research and planning
this year. He said that work will be in vain if this project is pushed back again. He urged the
Commissioners to read comments and emails about the benefits of the Community College
system. He said for the Board to not proceed is a grave disservice, and is hypocritical. He said
he cannot support the amendment, and hopes it does not pass.
Commissioner Greene said she appreciated Commissioner Dorosin's comments and the
emails from people discussing the impact of having a Durham Tech campus in Orange County.
She said if the State passes a school construction bond, she would like for the project to be
shovel ready. She said she wants to leave the $3 million for the year to use as matching
money, in case the State does fund it. She said she does not support the amendment.
Commissioner Fowler said supports the amendment. She said she wants a plan to
address all K-12 needs, and there are projects that were identified over 14 years ago that are
not on the CIP. She said Durham Tech can use other spaces. She asked if Hillsborough is the
best site, or if Chapel Hill-Carrboro may be better. She asked if it should be located closer to
where the population lives. She said she has a son who is going to Alamance Community
College next year. She said she is also a pediatrician who sees the great value of the
community college system. She said she wants to pause and evaluate all education goals.
22
Commissioner McKee attended a community college embedded within NC State. He
said he has taken classes at other community colleges as well. He said the BOCC always
hears from the most passionate voices, who all made good points, just as Commissioner
Dorosin did. He said this amendment is not about moving something back, but rather this
project was moved forward last year. He said the K-12 schools needs are over$300 million,
and the $120 million bond did not come close to covering them. He said the amendment calls
for Durham Tech to be put back where it was in the plan a year ago, and is not about taking the
project away. He said there is rental space that can be pursued if Durham Tech wants to start
programming now. He said if the K-12 program does not work 100% well for all students, there
will be little chance of success later in life. He said the BOCC must make sure all children are
getting a strong start. He said he is not concerned about having wasted money in the past year
on initial planning, and this information can still be useful. He said he would like to think
creatively about how to make it work for Durham Tech students, including increased
transportation to help them get to the Durham location.
Chair Price said she said she sees this Durham Tech building as an investment, and it
has been a topic of discussion for many years. She said the County needs the jobs, and needs
to train people. She said not everyone is able to afford a Duke or a Cornell. She said in some
cases the K-12 schools have failed, and the County needs to provide options for students to
continue their education. She said as the Board looks towards economic development, people
are unprepared for the available jobs, and the County needs to be able to provide a means for
people to get skills and education. She said there will be jobs that come from building a second
building, and many more thereafter as students receive skills through the education. She said if
people have a job, they can afford a home. She said the poverty programs of the 1960s failed,
due to too many handouts. She said the County needs to provide opportunities so people can
rise. She said if the Board fails to invest in Orange County, people will move to Durham. She
said the location in Hillsborough seems very appropriate to her. She said she supports the
building expansion 110%.
Commissioner Hamilton said this is a hard decision. She said the County talks about
investment in education, and has failed the K-12 education system by allowing older buildings
to fall into disrepair, which is a health and safety issue. She said her children attended local
schools, and there were problems then, but when she walked into a school building more
recently, as a CHCCS BOE member, she almost fainted. She realized the physical buildings
are at a point that she cannot support investing in anything else prior to improving the schools.
She said if the County cannot get kids through K-12, the students will not be able to access a
community college. She said the County does need programs to educate the workforce of the
future. She said she encourages innovation and flexibility to be able to do so. She said it
easier to move older children and adults, than it is to shuffle young children. She said when
ARPA money runs out, tax money will have to be used. She said the Board has to invest
smartly, and where there will be the greatest return. She said this is in the County's children
and K-12 education. She said she has petitioned to create a plan for that.
Commissioner Bedford referred to the idea of having $3 million available for potential
matching funds for the State. She said Gary Donaldson said the LGC will not like that. She
also asked if ARPA funds could be used, but they cannot.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve to move the Orange County Campus Building at Durham Technical Community college
to Years 6 and 7 of the CIP.
Commissioner Dorosin said if this amendment gets approved, it does not lower the tax
rate in the FY22 budget year. He said he wants to make sure people understand that. He
23
expressed concern about pitting K-12 students against Durham Tech students. He said the
only way to improve K-12 schools is to spend the money, and the Board could have picked any
project from the CIP to delay. He said choosing this project should have been the last option.
Chair Price agreed, and said this amendment is delaying a good project.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Hamilton,
and Commissioner McKee); Nays, 3 (Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Greene, and
Chair Price)
MOTION PASSES
Commissioner McKee introduced the amendment to allocate $5 million in ARPA funding
for broadband infrastructure
Commissioner Greene said having $5 million shows the community that the County is
serious about investing. She said the taskforce feels good about other sources of funding to
add to the County funds.
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
approve the amendment as listed in the PowerPoint presentation.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Slide #6
apitai Investment Plan Amendments
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24
Paul Laughton introduced two staff amendments to the CIP, to reduce the estimate for
the Emergency Services study consultant and remove $589,000 from Year 2 (FY 22-23)
funding in the Solid Waste - C&D Landfill & Ordinance Area.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
approve the two staff amendments as listed in the PowerPoint presentation.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
3. Discussion and Decisions on FY2021-22 County Fee Schedule
The Board reviewed, discussed, and made decisions regarding the FY2021-22
Manager's Recommended Orange County Annual Operating Budget and approved a
Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY2021-22 Orange County Annual Operating Budget.
BACKGROUND:
The County Manager presented the FY2021-22 Recommended Budget on May 4, 2021.
Subsequently, the Board has conducted two public hearings to receive residents' comments
regarding the proposed funding plan. In addition to the public hearings, the Board heard
presentations and held discussions with representatives of the County fire districts, the local
boards of education, representatives of the community college, and County Functional
Leadership Teams as related to the proposed funding plan for FY2021-22.
Tonight's Agenda:
Tonight's work session offers the Board an opportunity to discuss the recommended budget,
including discussion and review of the Budget Amendment list. As soon as these discussions
are completed, the Board will deliberate and make decisions regarding the FY2021-22 Annual
Operating Budget and approve a Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY 2021-22 Annual
Operating Budget. The Board is scheduled to adopt the final FY2021-22 Annual Operating
Budget for Orange County at its Business meeting on June 15, 2021.
Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
County Fee Schedule
• NoAmendmentsProposed
• Staff will prepare an amendment to update the Current Planning fee
schedule consistent with changes to the Unified Development
Ordinance adopted on May 16,2021_
ORANGE COUNTY
19 NO ]I CAR LINA
25
Chair Price referred to the gym annual facilities pass fees, and asked if this is intended
for anyone in particular. She asked if the County is charging families.
Bonnie Hammersley said she would speak with David Stancil, Department of
Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director, on this and send the information to
the Board tomorrow.
Chair Price referred to land records, and said there are fees still listed from 1994. She
said it would be nice to clear this up. She said it is on pages 457. She referred to page 477
and fire inspections, and said she wants these revised soon. She said there is one fee that is
going from $185 to $1,200, which is a significant jump.
Travis Myren said fire inspection fees are being assessed based on building size.
Chair Price said she understands that it is justified, but it has been waiting for a couple
of decades, and may come as quite a shock to some.
Chair Price referred to stormwater management on page 467. She clarified less than 1
acre is $300; between 1-10 acres it is $300 per disturbed acre; and 10-25 acres is $600. She
asked if the larger the area, the greater the cost.
Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said the larger the project, the more complex they are
and require more time. He said staff monitors bigger sites as they may have more hazards due
to more land disturbed.
Chair Price said she does not understand the logic behind this.
Craig Benedict said he would review with staff, and get back to the Board.
Chair Price asked if the Board can express its intent to approve, if there are additional
changes pending.
Bonnie Hammersley said the Board could still do an intent to approve the budget, and if
there are changes they can be included on the 15tn
A motion was made by Chair Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve the
fee schedule.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
4. Discussion and Decisions on FY2021-22 Tax Rates
i. Ad Valorem Tax
ii. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Special District Tax
iii. Fire District Tax Rates
BACKGROUND:
The County Manager presented the FY2021-22 Recommended Budget on May 4, 2021.
Subsequently, the Board has conducted two public hearings to receive residents' comments
regarding the proposed funding plan. In addition to the public hearings, the Board heard
presentations and held discussions with representatives of the County fire districts, the local
boards of education, representatives of the community college, and County Functional
Leadership Teams as related to the proposed funding plan for FY2021-22.
Tonight's Agenda:
Tonight's work session offers the Board an opportunity to discuss the recommended budget,
including discussion and review of the Budget Amendment list. As soon as these discussions
26
are completed, the Board will deliberate and make decisions regarding the FY2021-22 Annual
Operating Budget and approve a Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY 2021-22 Annual
Operating Budget. The Board is scheduled to adopt the final FY2021-22 Annual Operating
Budget for Orange County at its Business meeting on June 15, 2021.
Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
Tax Rates
Ad ValorernTax $1.87 cents
CHCC5 Special District Tax 18.30 cents
Fire Districts
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A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
reduce fund balance appropriation by$31,816 to balance the budget.
VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene,
Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner McKee and Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
Dorosin)
MOTION PASSES
Commissioner Dorosin said the Board should reduce the tax rate, even if the amount is
very small.
Travis Myren said the Board could take action to approve the tax rates as listed on the
presentation.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the fire district tax rates as listed by the County Manager.
Chair Price asked for clarification of the Commissioner McKee's motion.
Commissioner McKee said he thought the Board was approving the fire district tax
rates.
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Chair Price asked about approving the other tax rates.
An amended motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner
Fowler, to approve the Ad Valorem Tax Rate, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Special District
Tax, Fire District Tax Rates as recommended by the County Manager.
Commissioner Dorosin asked for clarification of the actions taking place at the meeting.
He asked if all of the decisions taking place at the meeting will be used to create the budget
ordinance to be voted on at the June 15, 2021 business meeting.
Chair Price and the Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5. Break (to allow Finance and Administrative Services to formulate Draft Resolution of
Intent to Adopt FY2021-22 Operating Budget)
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to
recess the meeting for 10 minutes.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE THE MEETING
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
reconvene at 9:30 p.m.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
At the beginning of the meeting, the Board of County Commissioners voted to amend
the agenda and discuss appointments to the following advisory boards and commissions. This
discussion was tabled from the June 3, 2021 work session.
Affordable Housing Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND:
The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Paul Voss At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2023
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NOTE — If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 06/30/2023 Vacant since 05/20/2021
Tara May reminded the Board that it reached consensus on Paul Voss at its June 3,
2021 work session as the nominee for the At-Large partial term position on the Affordable
Housing Advisory Board.
Commissioner Dorosin suggested appointing Deon Graham to the At-Large position.
He read some of the qualities about Graham that supported his nomination.
Chair Price asked if he lives in Carrboro
Commissioner Dorosin said this is an at large position.
Tara May said he lives in the Carrboro city limits, but yes it is an at large position.
Commissioner Greene agreed with the suggestion.
Commissioner Bedford said he is on the Human Relations Commission, but his voice
would be good on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
Chair Price said she had no problem with people serving on two boards.
The Board agreed by consensus on Deon Graham.
The Board reaffirmed their support of Voss to the partial-term position.
Agricultural Preservation Board —Appointments Discussion
The Board discussed appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Board.
BACKGROUND:
The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF APPOINTMENT EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE TERM DATE
Howard Vol. Ag. District Second Full Term 06/30/2024
McAdams High Rock/Efland
Nels Anderson Vol. Ag. District Second Full Term 06/30/2024
Schley/Eno
Kim Woods At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2024
NOTE — If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Vol. Ag. District 06/30/2023 Vacant since 11/20/2020
Cedar Grove
Tara May introduced the item.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to
appoint McAdams, Anderson, and Woods for their second full terms on the Agricultural
Preservation Board.
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Commissioner Dorosin said the roster indicates that Howard McAdams has a perpetual
appointment, and was appointed in 2008. He asked if this could be clarified.
Tara May said he has a perpetual appointment, but staff still tracks the terms in 3 year
amounts in case he comes off the board and needs replacing.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a reason why one has a perpetual term.
Tara May said she would find out.
Commissioner Dorosin said it is no reflection on the appointee personally, but he would
like information.
Chair Price said Howard McAdams has served the County faithfully.
Commissioner Fowler said it is confusing.
Commissioner Dorosin said it is also in conflict with County policies.
Commissioner McKee amended his suggestion to only appoint Anderson and Woods,
until more information can be obtained.
Commissioner Bedford agreed.
The Board agreed to Anderson and Woods by consensus.
Animal Services Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Animal Services Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Brenda Non-Municipality First Full Term 06/30/2024
Baldwin
Scott
NOTE — If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
• None
Tara May introduced the item.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
appoint Brenda Baldwin Scott for the Animal Services Advisory Board non-municipality seat.
The Board agreed by consensus.
Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor's Bureau —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor's Bureau.
BACKGROUND:
The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Anthony Carey OC Lodging Assoc. Partial Term 12/31/2021
SPECIAL NOTATION: The request is being made to move Mr. Carey from his current
Economic Development Advisory Board Member position to the OC Lodging Association
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position, because his appointment on the Economic Development Advisory Board ends
06/30/2021.
NOTE — If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Economic 12/31/2023 Would become vacant with move of
Development Anthony Carey to the OC Lodging
Advisory Board Association position.
Member
At-Large 12/31/2021 Vacant since 10/21/2020.
Tara May introduced the item.
Commissioner Greene asked for clarification of the recommendation.
Commissioner Fowler asked if there was anyone else who was interested in the
position.
Commissioner Bedford said she attended the meeting and there was not any other
applicant.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
appoint Anthony Carey in the OC Lodging Association position.
The Board agreed by consensus.
Commissioner Dorosin asked about making an appointment to the Economic
Development Advisory Board position vacated by Anthony Carey. He suggested Lily Englehart
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin, to
appoint Lily Englehart.
The Board agreed by consensus.
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council.
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Greg Hughes At-Large Partial Term 03/31/2022
NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Cedar Grove 03/31/2024 Vacant since 03/31/2021
Township
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Tara May introduced the item.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
appoint Greg Hughes for the partial term position.
The Board agreed by consensus.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
BACKGROUND:
The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Olivia Fisher At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2023
NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
SPECIAL NOTATION: None of the other applicants have completed the mandatory pre-
appointment training, and are therefore not eligible for appointment at this time.
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 03/31/2022 Vacant since 12/09/2020
At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 10/17/2020
At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 05/12/2020
At-Large 10/31/2022 Vacant since 10/17/2020
At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 10/31/2017
REMINDER: As of July 1, 2017, HB248 was passed in the North Carolina Legislature
regarding the training period for pending members of the "Adult Care Home Community
Advisory Committee and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee". Applicants
will be selected from our county "Applicant Interest List" for a condensed training and if
the applicant successfully completes the training, they would be recommended for
appointment. Therefore, when an applicant is recommended for appointment, it would
initially be for a one year preliminary term and their training will have already been
completed.
Tara May introduced the item.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
appoint Olivia Fisher.
The Board agreed by consensus.
6. Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2021-22 Annual Operating Budget
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• Approval of Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2021-22 Annual Operating Budget at the
Board of County Commissioners Business Meeting on June 15, 2021
Paul Laughton read the resolution prepared by staff reflecting the Board of County
Commissioners decisions regarding the FY22 budget:
Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY2021-22
Orange County Budget
The items outlined below summarize decisions that the Board acted upon June 8, 2021 in
approving the FY2021-22 Orange County Annual Operating Budget and the FY2021-22 (Year
1) Capital Investment Plan Budget.
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has considered the Orange County
FY2021-22 Manager's Recommended Budget and the FY2021-22 Manager's Recommended
Capital Investment Plan Budget; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners have agreed on certain modifications to the Manager's
Recommended Budget as presented in the FY2021-22 County Manager's Recommended
Budget on May 4, 2021; and to the FY2021-22 Manager's Recommended Capital Investment
Plan Budget as presented on April 6, 2021;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
expresses its intent to adopt the FY2021-22 Orange County Budget Ordinance on Tuesday,
June 15, 2021, based on the following stipulations:
1) Property Tax Rates
a) The ad valorem property tax rate shall be set at 81.87 cents per $100 of assessed
valuation.
b) The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District Tax shall be set at 18.30 cents per
$100 of assessed valuation.
c) The Fire District and Fire Service District tax rates shall be set at the following rates
(all rates are based on cents per $100 of assessed valuation):
• Cedar Grove 7.63
• Greater Chapel Hill Fire Service District 13.87
• Damascus 10.80
• Efland 7.28
• Eno 8.98
• Little River 6.39
• New Hope 10.12
• Orange Grove 6.27
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• Orange Rural 9.49
• South Orange Fire Service District 9.09
• Southern Triangle Fire Service District 10.80
• White Cross 12.34
2) County Employee Pay and Benefits Plan
Provide a County employee pay and benefits plan that includes:
a. No Wage increase for FY 2021-22
b. Resumption of the Merit Pay Program on employees' base salaries at the dollar values
in effect in FY 2019-20. Merit Pay increases, if any, will be applied to employees' base
salaries on the first full pay period in January 2022.
c. Continue the $27.50 per pay period County contribution to non-law enforcement
employees' supplemental retirement accounts and the County matching employees'
contributions up to $63.00 semi-monthly (for a maximum annual County contribution of
$1,512) for all general (non-sworn law enforcement officer) employees; continue the
mandated Law Enforcement Officer contribution of 5.0% of salary, and continue the
County's required contribution to the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement
System (LGERS) for all permanent employees. For FY 2021-22, the Law Enforcement
Officers (LEOs) rate increases from 10.90 to 12.10 percent of reported compensation,
and all other employees' rate increases from 10.15 to 11.35 percent of reported
compensation.
d. Continue to participate in the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool (NCHIP), and
continue medical and prescription third party administrators with Blue Cross Blue Shield
of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Prime Therapeutics, a division of BCBSNC,
respectively. No increase to health and dental appropriations. No increase to employee
premium equivalent for health, dental, or vision insurance. No increase for health
coverage premium equivalent for pre-65 retirees enrolled in the County's group plan,
and no increase for the post-65 (Medicare eligible) retirees.
e. Increase the Living wage to $15.40 per hour for all permanent and temporary
employees, effective October 1, 2021.
f. Continue the additional eight hours of annual leave to be awarded at an employee's
anniversary date, prorated for part time employees.
g. Continue the six-week paid parental leave policy.
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Adjustments to the Manager's Recommended FY2021-22 Budget
On June 8, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved the following changes to the
Manager's Recommended annual operating budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The information
below summarizes changes made by the Board.
Revenues Increase Decrease
Manager's Recommended Revenue Budget $244,061,663
Move ARPA funding to Emergency Recovery Fund ($3,267,486)
Reduce Fund Balance Appropriation ($31,816)
Total Revenue Changes $0 ($3,299,302)
Revised Revenue Budget 240,762,361
Expenditures Increase Decrease
Manager's Recommended Expenditure Budget $244,061,663
Reduce County Contribution to Chapel Hill Library by 5.6% ($31,816)
Move ARPA related Expenditures to Emergency Recovery Fund ($3,267,486)
Total Expenditure Changes $0 ($3,299,302)
Revised Expenditure Budget $240,762,361
4) Changes in County Staff Positions (Increase in FTE Approved).
Department Position Name Fund Start Date FTE
Child Support Services Child Support Officer General Fund July 2021 0.750
Child Support Services Staff Attorney General Fund July 2021 0.500
County Attorney Staff Attorney General Fund July 2021 0.500
Criminal Justice Resource Dept Admin Assistant-Grant Compliance Emergency Recovery Fund(ARPA) July 2021 0.500
Emergency Management Assistant Fire Marshall General Fund July 2021 1.000
Human Rights&Relations Eviction Diversion Expediter Emergency Recovery Fund(ARPA) July 2021 1.000
Totals 4.250
5) General Fund Appropriations for Local School Districts
The following FY2021-22 General Fund Appropriations for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
and Orange County Schools are approved:
a) Current Expense appropriation for local school districts totals $89,353,187 and
equates to a
per pupil allocation of$4,367
1) The Current Expense appropriation to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
is
$53,936,817
2) The Current Expense appropriation to the Orange County Schools is
$35,416,370.
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b) School Related Debt Service for local school districts totals $23,738,246.
c) Additional net County funding for local school districts totals $3,629,597.
(1) School Resource Officers and School Health Nurses Contracts - total
appropriation of $3,629,597 to cover the costs of School Resource Officers
in every middle and high school, and a School Health Nurse in every
elementary, middle, and high school in both school systems.
6) Capital Investment Plan Funding for FY2021-22 (Year 1)
The following FY2021-22 (Year 1) Capital Investment Plan Appropriations are approved:
a) Overall Total Capital Investment Plan Funding of$50,915,167
b) County Capital Projects Funding of $18,518,992
c) School Capital Projects Funding of $27,504,864
d) Water& Sewer Project Funding of$1,350,000; Solid Waste Project Funding of
$3,136,311; and Sportsplex Project Funding of$405,000
7) County Fee Schedule
To adopt the County Fee Schedule to include changes in the FY2021-22 Manager's
Recommended Annual Operating Budget and approved by the Board of County
Commissioners on June 8, 2021.
Commissioner Dorosin said he will not vote to approve the budget, as it does not reflect
the values of the community. He said cutting the Durham Tech project is irresponsible and
unjustifiable. He said he will vote against the resolution of intent and against the budget on
June 15, 2021.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the resolution of intent to adopt the FY2021-22 annual operating budget resolution.
Chair Price said she is very disappointed about Durham Tech, but a budget is needed
for the County to operate. She said she would vote for the budget with reservations.
Commissioner Dorosin said only four have to vote in favor.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene
Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner McKee and Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
Dorosin)
MOTION PASSES
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
adjourn the meeting at 10:01 p.m.
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Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
Renee Price, Chair
Laura Jensen
Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.